Even w/ him being out of football for over a year and his off-field issues?

Yes even with that in mind. Its a gamble for sure, but his football skills are that of a guy worthy of a first round selection and you don't find that very often. Were a team with very little talent, especially on defense. Gilligan the dice in the third round d isn't going to cripple your franchise if it doesn't work out, and being drafted there could really motivate the kid. The risk vs reward makes it worth it. If he pans out you have an extremely talented football player, if he doesn't get his act together you missed on a third round pick.Its easy to say were in a position where we can't afford to miss on any of our picks, but again I would argue were in that position because we have little talent and every prospect can bust.

This would also depend on who is available obviously. I wouldn't pass on a guy that I had a first round value on that dropped with less off the field issues._________________

I'd be in favor of using a 5th round pick on Mathieu if he's available. He's not the best in man to man coverage but he's a defensive playmaker and that's something we lack in our secondary. He has a knack for forcing turnovers and coming up with big plays and he isn't scared to lay the wood or come up in run support. I'm not sure if he'll ever be a starter in the NFL but he should be a really good nickelback in the league assuming he gets his act together. Plus he's going to be the best return man in the draft and that's a nice bonus.

It'll be interesting to see how he tests out at the combine and how well he interviews._________________

I'd pick him (Mathieu). That doesn't seem like a big problem (at least to me). He WOULD be in Cali, though. Janoris Jenkins is working out alright for St. Louis though thus far and if we can pick him with a mid rounder like a 4th then I'd go for it._________________

I'd be in favor of using a 5th round pick on Mathieu if he's available. He's not the best in man to man coverage but he's a defensive playmaker and that's something we lack in our secondary. He has a knack for forcing turnovers and coming up with big plays and he isn't scared to lay the wood or come up in run support. I'm not sure if he'll ever be a starter in the NFL but he should be a really good nickelback in the league assuming he gets his act together. Plus he's going to be the best return man in the draft and that's a nice bonus.

It'll be interesting to see how he tests out at the combine and how well he interviews.

The Raiders need a KR/PR guy, so it's win win. He could be a ST ace with room to grow.

He really cleaned up I read. He was staying with Pat Peterson's parents I think and got away from some of the bad influence._________________

In regards to Mathieu his football ability is unquestioned. I think at a certain point in the draft where you're picking on potential or hoping to find a gem why not give him a shot?_________________
Thanks to RaiderX for the sig

Former LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu is declaring for the draft. How far would he have to drop for you to want him? Or who says we stay away from him entirely.

Having a problem with marijuana and living in Oakland doesn't go well together.

LOL. word. exactly. + not the type McKenzie is interested in at all. The Honey Badger has no chance to be drafted by Oakland, imo.

In addition, Mathieu is only a slot CB/RS at best and should not be compared to Janoris. With only a tiny bit research you will find that LSU considered losing Mathieu no big loss. Lastly, he was arrested again for possession 2 weeks after rehab. . . . . Please._________________

Nodisrespect wrote:

(on building inside out) teams without highly draft DT's make the playoffs and win the superbowl regularly.

Bonez wrote:

Teams that win Superbowls and make the playoffs aren't picking in the Top 5, clearly

In regards to Mathieu his football ability is unquestioned. I think at a certain point in the draft where you're picking on potential or hoping to find a gem why not give him a shot?

Mathieu's ability IS unquestioned. Research. Hopefully the Raiders do not spend a mid-round draft pick on a one-trick RS pony with questionable character. Trust when I say that irony is never lost when this board comes to the defense of a player who struggles with . . . *cough, wheeeeezzzeee* . . . marijuana._________________

Nodisrespect wrote:

(on building inside out) teams without highly draft DT's make the playoffs and win the superbowl regularly.

Bonez wrote:

Teams that win Superbowls and make the playoffs aren't picking in the Top 5, clearly

Former LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu is declaring for the draft. How far would he have to drop for you to want him? Or who says we stay away from him entirely.

Having a problem with marijuana and living in Oakland doesn't go well together.

LOL. word. exactly. + not the type McKenzie is interested in at all. The Honey Badger has no chance to be drafted by Oakland, imo.

In addition, Mathieu is only a slot CB/RS at best and should not be compared to Janoris. With only a tiny bit research you will find that LSU considered losing Mathieu no big loss. Lastly, he was arrested again for possession 2 weeks after rehab. . . . . Please.

Former LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu is declaring for the draft. How far would he have to drop for you to want him? Or who says we stay away from him entirely.

Having a problem with marijuana and living in Oakland doesn't go well together.

LOL. word. exactly. + not the type McKenzie is interested in at all. The Honey Badger has no chance to be drafted by Oakland, imo.

In addition, Mathieu is only a slot CB/RS at best and should not be compared to Janoris. With only a tiny bit research you will find that LSU considered losing Mathieu no big loss. Lastly, he was arrested again for possession 2 weeks after rehab. . . . . Please.

RMK said he would have picked Jenkins. Just saying.

Hearsay. I'll believe it when McKenzie is either directly quoted OR he actually drafts someone of questionable character. So far McKenzie has held rock solid verbatim to his word._________________

Nodisrespect wrote:

(on building inside out) teams without highly draft DT's make the playoffs and win the superbowl regularly.

Bonez wrote:

Teams that win Superbowls and make the playoffs aren't picking in the Top 5, clearly

Former LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu is declaring for the draft. How far would he have to drop for you to want him? Or who says we stay away from him entirely.

Having a problem with marijuana and living in Oakland doesn't go well together.

LOL. word. exactly. + not the type McKenzie is interested in at all. The Honey Badger has no chance to be drafted by Oakland, imo.

In addition, Mathieu is only a slot CB/RS at best and should not be compared to Janoris. With only a tiny bit research you will find that LSU considered losing Mathieu no big loss. Lastly, he was arrested again for possession 2 weeks after rehab. . . . . Please.

RMK said he would have picked Jenkins. Just saying.

Hearsay. I'll believe it when McKenzie is either directly quoted OR he actually drafts someone of questionable character. So far McKenzie has held rock solid verbatim to his word.

Former LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu is declaring for the draft. How far would he have to drop for you to want him? Or who says we stay away from him entirely.

Having a problem with marijuana and living in Oakland doesn't go well together.

LOL. word. exactly. + not the type McKenzie is interested in at all. The Honey Badger has no chance to be drafted by Oakland, imo.

In addition, Mathieu is only a slot CB/RS at best and should not be compared to Janoris. With only a tiny bit research you will find that LSU considered losing Mathieu no big loss. Lastly, he was arrested again for possession 2 weeks after rehab. . . . . Please.

Rumor was McKenzie's guy was Janoris Jenkins had he had a 1st round pick this year._________________